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“We’re not strangers,” says Oliver. “We’re her mates.”
“What?” Dad’s mouth hangs open. At this moment, I’m sure my expression matches his.
Oliver didn’t just declare himself as a mate. He announced his brothers as my mates too!
“How...when...how...” Dad falters, looking for the right words.
“It was right after I broke up with Jake,” I say quickly. “I was in a horrible state after I left him. They’re the ones who’ve helped me get back to my old self.”
“Rory,” Dad says, looking thoroughly anxious. “You need to tell me about these things. I’m always here to help you, sweetheart.”
“I tried to tell you but you were already so worried about me,” I say, meaning every word. “You might think I’m still the same old, irresponsible Rory, but I have changed. Do you know how much I worry about you too?”
Tears pool into my dad’s eyes as he reaches out to caress my head. “You should still tell your dad about things that are bothering you, honey,” he says.
“I need to spend more time with Seth and his brothers,” I say in the sincerest tone I can muster. “They’re the only ones who make me feel safe. I tried staying at home but it’s not the same. Bad thoughts race in my mind whenever I’m alone. I need them, Dad.”
Dad is silent for a moment. “Can I talk to you alone for a moment?”
I turn toward Seth.
“We’ll leave,” he says, gesturing at Oliver and Simon. “We’ll be in the other room, so if you need anything, just holler at us.”
“Thanks,” I say gratefully as they leave the room.
Wrapping a gentle arm around my shoulders, Dad leads me to one of the couches.
“When did you start seeing the Burton brothers?” he whispers.
“Not long ago,” I say, hoping to answer in a way that would make our lie believable. “Maybe a month or so.”
“What happened between you and Jake?”
I shake my head. “I can’t talk about it yet.”
He closes his eyes and breathes a heavy sigh. “He’s the reason you’re in this state,” he rightly guesses. “You’re all skin and bones, sweetheart. It hurts me to see you like this.”
His round face is full of fine lines now. Dad has aged since the last time I saw him. Sadness settles into his eyes, making me feel guiltier about the way I treated him over the past few years.
“I thought Jake was the one for me,” I say, giving him a sliver of the truth. “He’s the reason I distanced myself from you and Heather. It broke my heart when I found that reality is different from my fantasies, that no one can love me as much as you.”
“Oh, honey,” he says, squeezing my hand. “You’re so precious to me, sweetheart. It doesn’t matter that Jake wasn’t the one for you. My daughter deserves so much better.”
I nod. “You’re right. It truly doesn’t matter that Jake is gone from my life.” Taking a deep breath, I continue. “Seth found me when I was at my lowest. He and his brothers helped me out of the depths of depression that nearly killed me.”
“Oh, sweetheart,” he says, pulling me into a hug. “I’m so sorry you went through such a hard time. I wish you’d said something to me. Heather and I are always here to help you.”
“I know that,” I say, patting his back. “My mind was so warped back then, I couldn’t think clearly. Thankfully, Seth and his brothers were there to help me. With them around, it won’t be long before I’m back to being the Rory you used to know.”
He shakes his head. “You don’t have to be anything for me, sweetie. I just want you to be happy. That’s all that I’ve ever wanted.”
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I hug him tighter.
His hand caresses my back. “I can’t believe you have three mates, sweetheart,” he says with a sudden chuckle.
Breaking away, I look into his twinkling eyes.
“Do you have any idea how coveted the Burton twins are?” he says in a conspiratorial whisper. “Their brooding brother is even more popular among the ladies. I’ve seen women behaving in the funniest manner whenever they attend a party. I can’t believe my daughter has caught all their attention.” A gleeful laugh escapes him. “This would show Jake Hudson what my daughter is worth.”
